Slugs and Salal - Victoria Sights

SIGHTS TO SEE

CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE
The fabulous turreted castle built in the last century by industrialist Robert Dunsmuir. The finest wood, glass and stone meticulously crafted to represent the lavish lifestyles of the barons of by-gone eras.
1050 Joan Crescent, 250-592-5323
WILLOWS BEACH
Unknown to most visitors, this half-mile crescent of sand and driftwood glistens like a jeweled necklace decorating the genteel residential area of Oak Bay. Just off Beach Drive at Estevan Avenue. Take a picnic with you from a local gourmet shop.
MOUNT TOLMIE VIEWS
A modest "mountain" situated near the University of Victoria provides almost 360 degree views of the city, the water, the islands, the Olympic Mountains of Washington and the Coastal Range mountains of BC's mainland. Spectacular anytime, even in dull weather. Entrance off Cedar Hill X Road, just west of Gordon Head Road. Watch for signs or ask a local resident.
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
This is a world-class museum that brings the dusty past to life in remarkable ways. Visitors go in with a sense of duty but come out singing praises--adults and children alike. It's a standard tourist attraction that shouldn't be missed. Located at the Inner Harbour, between the Empress Hotel and the Legislature Building.

ANTIQUE ROW
Victoria boasts a wealth of antique stores dealing in fine furniture, silver, china. Fort Street, between Quadra and Cook streets, is the city's official Antique Row but you will also want to visit Oak Bay Avenue for more shops. The corner of Oak Bay and Foul Bay boasts several interesting collectibles stores, and the Oak Bay Village is worth an afternoon's browse on its own.
BUTCHART GARDENS
What can one say about the Butchart Gardens that hasn't been said, heard or read by most people already? The Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC Museum are the two must-see typical tourist attractions.
VILLAGES
Beyond the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria, the city is really just a collection of villages with residential areas in between. These villages retain a unique character and give visitors the best taste of what it's like to live here. Treat yourself. While away an afternoon or two checking out a couple of the villages. Oak Bay Village is the best known, but there's also Cook Street Village, Estevan Village, Fernwood, Cadboro Bay, Brentwood Bay, and of course, Sooke and Sidney which lie at opposite ends of the Greater Victoria region.